Now that I’ve spent a good deal of time with the iPhone 17, I have a better appreciation for what it brings the conversation about the best phones out there. Sure, Apple’s entry-level flagship might be overshadowed by the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but the base flagship model actually sees bigger upgrades than in years past.
As I’ve detailed in my iPhone 17 review, it’s the phone that most people should get because of how it perfectly balances features and value to its package. But I couldn’t neglect mentioning other phones in this price range, like the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10, can flaunt their own perks over the iPhone 17.
Just this past weekend, too, I’ve made a point to use the iPhone 17 as my daily driver for all sorts of things — like using its camera upgrades to shoot an event, along with catching up on my favorite shows. After all that, here’s what I like and don’t like about the iPhone 17.
iPhone 17: What I like
Starting price remains $799
I’m always looking for the best phone deals out there, mainly because I really don’t like having to pay thousands for a new phone. That’s why I still can’t get over the fact that the iPhone 17 has the same $799 starting price as before.
Many phones this year have been given price hikes, including the iPhone 17 Pro, which is why I’m still surprised that Apple kept the price of its flagship model at $799 — which now stretches six generations going back to the iPhone 12. That’s an astounding run for any phone.
Double the storage
The iPhone 17 also ushers in the end of the 128GB era for all base flagships. That’s because along with keeping its price unchanged, Apple upgrades the storage on the phone’s base model to 256GB.
If you’re shooting as much video as I am, especially in 4K or shooting a lot of slow motion, you won’t have to worry about running out of space on the iPhone 17 or clearing out some old stuff to make room for the new clips.
Center Stage camera
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Apple spent a lot of time around the iPhone 17’s new selfie shooter, an 18MP Center Stage camera that captures outstanding shots. I’ve put it to the test against the iPhone 16’s selfie camera, and what’s instantly noticeable is that the Center Stage camera offers a wider field of view — without any details loss, even when it’s cropped after the fact.
Furthermore, it makes snapping selfies easier because no matter the orientation I hold the iPhone 17 — portrait or landscape — I have access to the same four different framing options. This is made possible because of the square shape of the camera’s sensor. Just take a look at the gallery above to see what the framing’s like.
Smoother 120Hz refresh rate
This one has been at the top of my list for the last couple of years now, especially now that some of the best cheap phones running Android have long made the switch to 120Hz.
Apple finally upgraded the iPhone 17 with a 120Hz refresh rate, and let me tell you how much of a difference it makes. It’s instantly noticeable just running through the new iOS 26 software that’s pre-installed on the phone, as every action and animation is accompanied by a fluid response.
I see the difference a 120Hz panel makes just scrolling through the home screen. And it’s also just as noticeable when playing games.
Unbeatable low light camera performance
I’ve snapped hundreds of photos with the iPhone 17, comparing its shots against the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10. What I continue to find is that the iPhone’s performance in low light is unbeatable. In fact, it rivals what the iPhone 17 Pros produce under the same conditions.
Just take a peek at the side-by-side comparisons above between the iPhone 17 and the Galaxy S25. Not only are the shadowed areas of the tree branches a bit more exposed, but the details in the iPhone’s photo are also sharper with more definition.
Snappy A19 performance
I’ve never come across an iPhone that ever felt unresponsive or underpowered, including the iPhone 16e. With the latest A19 chip under the hood, the iPhone 17 certainly continues that trend of power and performance I’ve come to expect from an Apple device.
Indeed, its 120Hz refresh rate can be attributed to its performance boost, but I can also see the A19’s muscle power playing through some of my favorite games. Diablo Immortal looks just as mesmerizing with all of the shading and lighting effects, without once showing any indication of slowdown.
iPhone 17: What I don’t like
No major Apple Intelligence features
I thought Apple would double down on Apple Intelligence features with the iPhone 17, but that wasn’t the case. Sure, iOS 26 has a new look that’s definitely a change from previous iterations of the platform, but it puts the iPhone 17 at a disadvantage against its rivals.
I’ve spent time with the Pixel 10 and the insane amount of new AI features it offers, like Auto Best Take and the amazing ability to make complex photo edits by typing them with Ask Photos. The iPhone 17 has nothing remotely close to matching those capabilities in Apple Intelligence. This is my biggest criticism about the iPhone 17, which is functionally inferior to the competition in the realm of AI.
Weak telephoto camera performance
I guess I’ve been spoiled by the Pixel 10 a lot because Google’s base flagship adds a dedicated telephoto camera, whereas the iPhone 17 still leans on its 48MP main camera for all zooming. And you know what? There’s a huge difference, as the iPhone underperforms in this area.
At the iPhone’s maximum 10x zoom, the details of the building look softer compared to what the Pixel 10 captures with its 10.8MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom at the same range. Those fuzzy details are sharper and more in focus, proving that no amount of sensor cropping and newer image processing algorithms can beat an optically powered camera.
No way to change Dual Capture framing
Another new feature Apple introduces with the iPhone 17 is Dual Capture, the ability to simultaneously record video with the front and rear cameras. While it certainly does give you a different perspective, I just wish for a way to change up the framing.
Instead, the majority of the framing is locked to the rear cameras — while a small window is reserved for the front camera. I would’ve liked to see additional framing options, like what Samsung offers with its flagships, just to give me extra options to choose from.
iPhone 17: Bottom line
Luckily, the good things outweighs the bad ones with the iPhone 17, as the amount of new upgrades it gets still makes this a solid phone.
What’s even more intriguing is that I think the iPhone 17 also offers better value than the iPhone Air. That phone might wow people with its impressively thin design, but there are major compromises you’ll need to make in order to get that slender frame.
Not only is the iPhone 17 cheaper by $200, but it also offers a longer battery life and more flexibility with its cameras.
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